Why no big purchases before closing?

Asked by: Bryon Leannon  |  Last update: January 26, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (51 votes)

A big purchase – one that increases your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio or drains your cash reserves – can be enough to cause your lender to pull the plug on your mortgage application. Ideally, in the days leading up to closing, you'll want to do everything you can to keep your financial statistics from changing.

What not to buy before closing on a house?

That means no taking out new credit cards and no new loans — both items that can ding your credit score considerably. "Do not open up new credit cards or buy a new car," says Jennifer Beeston, senior vice president of mortgage lending at Guaranteed Rate Mortgage.

Why can't you make large deposits when buying a house?

So those large deposits may indicate an income stream that raises red flags and ultimately can get you denied from the loan if the bank doesn't believe you can pay back that loan without help.

Why not buy furniture before closing?

But try to resist the urge to buy that furniture or anything on credit until after you close on the sale. Not only will the wait prevent you from having to pay more in moving costs, it can also help you avoid problems that could derail your mortgage and prevent your sale from closing.

What is the big purchase rule?

The 50/30/20 rule is an easy budgeting strategy that can help you manage your money effectively. It means spending 50% of your income on needs (think monthly expenses, such as housing, utilities, insurance, childcare, etc.), spending 30% on wants (such as a luxury car or vacation home), and putting 20% in savings.

Why you shouldn't make any large purchases before closing on your home! -Mortgage Questions Answered

19 related questions found

Can I make a large purchase before closing?

But anything that changes your financial picture in a big way should wait until after closing. Although a “large purchase” will vary based on your budget, consider avoiding any purchases that you need to finance. Even if you can make the purchase in cash, it's good to hold off until after closing.

What is the golden rule in purchasing?

Timing: The golden rule is don't rush. All too often, procurement is rushed through because existing contracts are coming to a renewal point. RPs should be considering a re-procurement exercise a minimum of twelve months before the deadline to allow for clear strategic thinking before putting pen to paper on the brief.

What not to do during underwriting?

5 Mistakes to Avoid During the Underwriting Process
  • Not responding to emails from the lender. ...
  • Buying an improperly valued home. ...
  • Exceeding loan limitations. ...
  • Lying to your lender. ...
  • Frivolous purchases while your home is pending.

How many days before closing do they run your credit?

Lenders typically do last-minute checks of their borrowers' financial information in the week before the loan closing date, including pulling a credit report and reverifying employment. You don't want to encounter any hiccups before you get that set of shiny new keys.

Can I move stuff in before closing?

In the majority of home sales, the buyer takes possession of the house after the closing appointment. Until the closing date, they are not allowed to reside in the home, move any belongings inside, or even take over the keys to the property. However, there are times when a buyer will ask for early access to the home.

Do mortgage lenders look at spending habits?

Your spending habits will be examined

As well as assessing your income, mortgage lenders will also look at your spending habits. They are likely to want to see six months' worth of bank statements too. They will look at how much you spend on regular household bills and other costs, such as commuting and childcare fees.

What is considered a large deposit before closing?

A "large deposit" is any single deposit exceeding 50% of the sum of: The total monthly qualifying income for the Mortgage, and. The amount derived from the asset calculation for establishing the debt payment-to-income ratio in accordance with the requirements of Section 5307.1, if applicable.

How much is considered a big purchase?

If you're making a purchase that costs more than your monthly income, you're likely making a big purchase.

What not to tell a lender?

10 Things Not To Say To Your Mortgage Broker | Loan Approval
  • 1) Anything untruthful.
  • 2) What's the most I can borrow?
  • 3) I forgot to pay that bill again.
  • 4) Check out my new credit cards.
  • 5) Which credit card ISN'T maxed out?
  • 6) Changing jobs annually is my specialty.

What to do 2 weeks before closing?

Two Weeks Before Closing:

Contact your insurance company to purchase a homeowner's insurance policy for your new home. Your lender will need an insurance binder from your insurance company 10 days before closing. Check in with your lender to determine if they need any additional information from you.

Under what circumstances should you absolutely not buy a house?

If your income isn't stable, your job is in jeopardy or you're just uncertain about job security in the coming months, this may not be the best time to make such a large investment. If you can't make the monthly payments once you're in your home, you could lose it to foreclosure.

What happens 7 days before closing?

Homebuyers: What happens the week before closing

“My assistant checks in with the lender and title company prior to closing,” Heuser explains. “We have a checklist that we go through as we get within a week just to make sure that the lender has everything that they need on their end in order to fund the deal.

Can a loan be denied after closing?

Can a mortgage be denied after the closing disclosure is issued? Yes. Many lenders use third-party “loan audit” companies to validate your income, debt and assets again before you sign closing papers. If they discover major changes to your credit, income or cash to close, your loan could be denied.

Do they check your bank account before closing?

Yes. A mortgage lender will look at any depository accounts on your bank statements — including checking and savings accounts, as well as any open lines of credit.

What gets you denied in underwriting?

There are many reasons why an underwriter may deny your mortgage loan, such as a low income, an unsatisfactory credit history or a recent change in employment.

What are the 4 C's required for mortgage underwriting?

So, what do lenders look at when deciding to approve or deny an application? Lenders consider four criteria, also known as the 4 C's: Capacity, Capital, Credit, and Collateral. What is your ability to pay back your mortgage?

Can I spend money during underwriting?

Any major expenditures or changes to your finances from recent times can cause problems during underwriting. These include new lines of credit and loans, which can both interrupt this process. Also, avoid making any purchases that may decrease your assets.

What is the optimum purchasing rule?

The optimum purchase rule states that, we will continue to buy as long as the MU is higher than or equal to the price (MU≥P). This is because… The Law of Diminishing MU states that as we consume more of the same product our overall satisfaction (Total Utility) will increase but at a decreasing rate.

What is the platinum vs gold rule?

However, the Golden Rule focuses on treating others as you would like to be treated, while the Platinum Rule emphasizes understanding and considering others' individual preferences and needs in how they want to be treated.

What are the buying rules?

Buying Rules means the defined processes used by the Customer to purchase items under a Common Use Arrangement or Panel Arrangement (if any).